Lionel Messi has opened up on Neymar Jr. ’s chances of making Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, but his response came with a clear admission that emotions are involved.

Lionel Messi says Neymar should be part of Brazil's World Cup squad, reigniting debate over the balance between legacy stars and Brazil's next generation.

Lionel Messi and Neymar remain at the center of FIFA World Cup 2026 discussions as fans wait for confirmation on whether the two football superstars will feature in the tournament.

In an interview with the show Lo del Pollo, in which he also said that the Albiceleste are not the main favorites to win the World Cup and defend the title they won in Qatar 2022,

Lionel Messi has thrown his weight behind former team-mate Neymar, insisting the Santos superstar "deserves" to be part of Brazil's World Cup squad despite his recent struggles with injury. The Inter Miami captain described his close friend as a "very special" talent who remains one of the finest players on the planet.

The Argentine captain said Neymar deserves to be at the World Cup because of his quality and what he represents for Brazil and world football.

Casemiro weighed in on the comparison between Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar. There is no doubt that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the biggest stars in soccer over the past two decades.

Neymar expressed frustration after an accidental substitution during Santos' match against Coritiba, impacting his final opportunity to impress before Brazil's World Cup squad announcement.